35 to the inadequate protection given them by the Naval authorities and the recent outbreak in Canton is sufficient to show that the apprehensions entertained were not altogether groundless.
The Committee desire to press upon your Lordship the fact that the people in the adjacenters are considered to be in an unsettled state, and should a rising take place it will probably be of such proportions as to make it difficult for the Chinese authorities to control it, and they submit that in such an event there is not sufficient force to protect European residents.
I have the honor to be Your Lordship's Most obedient humble servant,
P. Haris, Vice Chairman.
Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce,
Hongkong, 16th April, 1883.
To His Excellency Vice Admiral Ginge,
Sir,
On behalf of this Chamber, I beg to address Your Excellency on the subject of the naval protection to be afforded British Commerce in these waters.
During the last two periods of considerable time, this harbour has been left without the presence of an effective vessel of war. The Committee are given to understand on good authority that it is Your Excellency's intention to allow the naval service along the entire Coast between the North and Fook how (Hochow) on the South, including the waters of this Colony during the winter months, to be performed.